HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2016-4661, by Representatives Chopp, Kristiansen, Appleton, Bergquist, Blake, Buys, Caldier, Chandler, Clibborn, Cody, Condotta, DeBolt, Dent, Dunshee, Dye, Farrell, Fey, Fitzgibbon, Frame, Goodman, Gregerson, Griffey, Haler, Hansen, Hargrove, Harmsworth, Harris, Hawkins, Hayes, Hickel, Holy, Hudgins, S. Hunt, Hurst, Jinkins, Johnson, Kagi, Kilduff, Kirby, Klippert, Kochmar, Kretz, Kuderer, Lytton, MacEwen, Magendanz, Manweller, McBride, McCabe, McCaslin, Moeller, Morris, Moscoso, Muri, Nealey, Orcutt, Ormsby, Ortiz-Self, Orwall, Parker, Peterson, Pettigrew, Pike, Pollet, Reykdal, Riccelli, Robinson, Rodne, Rossetti, Ryu, Santos, Sawyer, Schmick, Scott, Sells, Senn, Shea, Short, Smith, Springer, Stambaugh, Stanford, Stokesbary, Sullivan, Tarleton, Taylor, Tharinger, Van De Wege, Van Werven, Vick, Walkinshaw, Walsh, Wilcox, Wilson, Wylie, Young, and Zeiger
WHEREAS, As citizens of this country we are eternally indebted to the men and women who courageously serve in our military, who sacrifice everything in order to protect our liberties; and
WHEREAS, The families of these service men and women also serve our country by bravely supporting their husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, sisters, and brothers; and
WHEREAS, A child who loses a mother or father while that parent is serving their country is a special child who will endure deep pain throughout their lives in the absence of their mother or father; and
WHEREAS, These children deserve gratitude, much like the parents they lost, for their service and sacrifice; and
WHEREAS, The Gold Star Child Program works to recognize, support, and empower American children who have a parent who died while serving in the United States military; and
WHEREAS, The program's slogan, "Military kids serve too!" reminds people that these children deserve respect and support; and
WHEREAS, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver and Pacific Northwest native, Jermaine Kearse, created the 15 to 1: Jermaine Kearse Foundation in 2015 to support and inspire youth in military families; and
WHEREAS, As a former youth in a military family, Mr. Kearse understands the adversity facing youth who grow up in a military family; and
WHEREAS, The 15 to 1: Jermaine Kearse Foundation's mission is to provide access to engaging experiences that serve to ignite the passions and enhance the development of youth in our military communities; and
WHEREAS, With the support of the 15 to 1: Jermaine Kearse Foundation, six Gold Star children, each with a guest of their choice, were able to attend the final Seahawks home game on December 27, 2015; and
WHEREAS, Jermaine Kearse was the Seahawks' nominee for the 2015 Salute to Service Award, which is presented by the NFL and USAA to a league member who demonstrates an exemplary commitment to honoring and supporting the military community;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the 15 to 1: Jermaine Kearse Foundation, thanks to whom the state of Washington is able to honor the service of military children; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to the 15 to 1: Jermaine Kearse Foundation and the Gold Star Children.
 
I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of
Resolution 4661 adopted by the House of Representatives
February 12, 2016
 
 
 
 
__________________________
Barbara Baker, Chief Clerk